Dancing with the Stars Season 34 Winner: Robert Irwin Wins Mirrorball Trophy Following Sister Bindi's Legacy

Dancing with the Stars Season 34 Winner: Robert Irwin and Witney Carson Take Home the Mirrorball Trophy

Robert Irwin is the Dancing with the Stars Season 34 winner! The 21-year-old wildlife conservationist and son of the late Steve Irwin made history on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, when he and professional partner Witney Carson were crowned champions during the emotional finale that aired live on ABC.

Ten years after his older sister Bindi Irwin won Season 21 in 2015, Robert has continued the Irwin family's dancing legacy with a stunning victory that brought judges, contestants, and viewers to tears. The finale saw Robert triumph over tough competition from social media influencer Alix Earle, Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, actor Dylan Efron, and actress Elaine Hendrix in what fans called "one of the tightest" finals in DWTS history.

If you missed the finale or want to relive Robert Irwin's incredible journey to the Mirrorball Trophy, here's everything you need to know about the Dancing with the Stars Season 34 winner, the finale performances, emotional moments, and what happens next for the champion.

Who Won Dancing with the Stars Season 34? Robert Irwin's Victory Explained

Robert Irwin and Witney Carson are the official Dancing with the Stars Season 34 champions, winning the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy after 10 weeks of intense competition.

Season 34 Final Results (In Order):

🏆 1st Place - WINNERS:

• Robert Irwin & Witney Carson (Wildlife Conservationist)

🥈 2nd Place:

• Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy (Social Media Influencer)

🥉 3rd Place:

• Jordan Chiles & Brandon Armstrong (Olympic Gymnast)

4th Place:

• Dylan Efron & Rylee Arnold (Actor, Zac Efron's Brother)

5th Place:

• Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten (Actress, Parent Trap)

The victory was announced at approximately 11:10 PM EST on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, during the two-hour live finale broadcast on ABC and streaming on Disney+.

Dancing with the Stars Season 34 Finale: How Robert Irwin Won

The finale consisted of three rounds of performances where all five finalists showcased their best moves:

Round 1: Judges' Choice Dance

The judges selected dances for each couple to perform again, choosing routines they wanted to see perfected.

Robert & Witney's Performance:

• Dance: Quickstep
• Song: "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" by Jet
• Judges' Scores: 30/30 (Perfect Score)
• Judge Comments: "Absolutely flawless," "This is championship-level dancing"

Round 2: Freestyle Performance

Each couple choreographed an original freestyle routine—the most anticipated performance of any DWTS finale.

Robert & Witney's Freestyle:

• Songs: "Black & Gold" by Sam Sparro / "The Nights" by Avicii (Mashup)
• Theme: Tribute to Steve Irwin and wildlife conservation
• Special Elements: Incorporated Australian imagery, wildlife references, emotional storytelling
• Judges' Scores: 30/30 (Perfect Score)
• Standing Ovation: All four judges and the entire audience

Judge Derek Hough called it "One of the most emotional and technically brilliant freestyles I've ever witnessed on this show."

Round 3: Instant Dance Challenge

The most nerve-wracking round where couples learned a brand-new dance in just 5 minutes backstage before performing live.

Robert & Witney's Instant Dance:

• Dance: Cha Cha
• Song: "Cake by the Ocean" by DNCE
• Judges' Scores: 29/30
• Challenge: Robert performed despite rib injuries sustained during rehearsals

Total Combined Scores: Robert and Witney earned 89/90 across all three rounds—the highest cumulative score of the night.

However, the winner is determined by a combination of judges' scores and fan votes, meaning audience support played a crucial role in Robert's victory.

Robert Irwin's Emotional Winning Moment: "Thank You for Changing My Life"

When hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro announced Robert Irwin and Witney Carson as the Season 34 winners, the ballroom erupted in celebration.

Robert's Victory Speech:

"My sister said it best: Thank you for changing my life!" Robert said, his voice breaking with emotion, directly quoting what Bindi said when she won in 2015.

He continued: "This has been the most incredible journey. Witney has been the best teacher, the best friend, and I couldn't have done any of this without her support and patience."

Witney Carson's Response:

Professional dancer Witney Carson, 32, who won her second Mirrorball Trophy (her first was with Alfonso Ribeiro in Season 19), shared her gratitude:

"I'm so grateful for Robert, honestly — I already feel like I won with him as my friend and I can't thank you enough," Witney added, visibly emotional. "Getting to dance with Robert this season has been the biggest gift."

The two shared a tearful embrace as confetti rained down and the Mirrorball Trophy was presented on stage.

The Bindi Irwin Connection: Irwin Family Dancing Legacy

Robert's victory is even more meaningful because it continues a family tradition started by his sister Bindi Irwin, who won Dancing with the Stars Season 21 in 2015 at age 17.

Irwin Family DWTS History:

Bindi Irwin - Season 21 Winner (2015):

• Partner: Derek Hough
• Age: 17 years old
• Final Dance: Freestyle to "Footloose"
• Memorable Moment: Dedicated her win to her late father Steve Irwin

Robert Irwin - Season 34 Winner (2025):

• Partner: Witney Carson
• Age: 21 years old
• Final Dance: Freestyle mashup tribute to Steve Irwin
• Time Gap: Exactly 10 years after Bindi's victory

What Bindi Said About Robert's Win:

While Bindi couldn't be in the ballroom (she's currently in Australia with her family), she posted an emotional Instagram tribute:

"My baby brother, you did it! Watching you honor Dad while doing what you love has been the greatest gift. You've made our whole family so proud. Welcome to the Mirrorball winners club! 🪩✨"

The Irwin siblings are now the only brother-sister duo to both win Dancing with the Stars in the show's 34-season history.

Steve Irwin Tribute: How Robert Honored His Late Father Throughout Season 34

Throughout the competition, Robert Irwin made touching efforts to keep his late father's memory alive. Steve Irwin, the legendary "Crocodile Hunter," died in 2006 when Robert was just 2 years old.

Robert's Two Good Luck Charms:

On November 17, 2025, Robert shared on Instagram that he carried two special items during every rehearsal and performance:

1. His Childhood Home Keys: A ring made from keys to the family's childhood home at Australia Zoo, keeping him connected to his roots.

2. Steve Irwin's Actual Shirt: Robert wore his dad's original khaki shirt—the iconic uniform Steve wore during wildlife adventures—before every single rehearsal.

Robert's Instagram Post Explained:

"Before you guys see my dance in costume, I've always done that dance — at least once — in dad's shirt," Robert revealed in a video post. "It just keeps me close to home, keeps me close to him. It just feels like a big hug every time I put it on."

The shirt, now decades old, features holes, tears, and missing buttons—battle scars from Steve's adventurous life.

"Each one of the tears and holes and missing buttons tells another story and this shirt definitely saw a lot," Robert said. "I guess it's a good example for how dad lived his life: At 100%."

Many of the tears have been carefully repaired over the years, but Robert keeps the shirt as-is to preserve the memories.

Freestyle Tribute Elements:

Robert's winning freestyle incorporated several nods to his father and wildlife conservation:

• Australian music selections
• Wildlife conservation messaging woven into choreography
• Costume colors matching Australia Zoo's signature khaki
• Emotional storytelling about carrying on Steve's legacy

Robert Irwin's Injury: Dancing Through Pain to Win

The path to victory wasn't easy. In the days leading up to the finale, Witney Carson revealed that Robert had been suffering from a rib injury that made every movement painful.

Injury Details:

What Happened: Robert sustained rib injuries during intense rehearsals in the week before the finale. The repetitive lifts, spins, and high-impact choreography took a toll on his body.

Severity: Witney told reporters that Robert's ribs had been "killing him" but he refused to stop rehearsing.

His Response: "Robert wanted to rehearse until the very last second," Witney shared. "Even though he was in pain, he never complained. He just kept pushing through because he didn't want to let anyone down."

Medical Care: While Robert received medical attention and pain management, he opted not to skip any performances or modify his choreography significantly.

Performance Impact: Despite the injury, Robert earned two perfect 30/30 scores during the finale and executed difficult lifts and jumps without visible signs of pain.

Witney's Concern and Pride:

"I was worried about him, honestly," Witney admitted after the win. "But Robert has this incredible determination—just like his dad. When he sets his mind to something, nothing stops him."

The injury made Robert's victory even more impressive, demonstrating not just his dancing ability but his mental toughness and dedication.

Why Robert Irwin Won: What Made Him the Fan Favorite

Robert's journey from wildlife conservationist to ballroom champion resonated with viewers for multiple reasons:

✅ Authentic Personality

Unlike some contestants who felt manufactured, Robert came across as genuinely humble, kind, and grateful throughout the season. His infectious smile and positive attitude endeared him to fans.

✅ Consistent Improvement

Robert showed dramatic growth from his Week 1 performance (score: 22/30) to his finale perfect scores (30/30). Viewers loved watching his transformation from nervous beginner to confident dancer.

✅ Emotional Story

His connection to Steve Irwin and his mission to continue wildlife conservation added depth beyond just dancing. Fans voted not just for his performances but for what he represents.

✅ Chemistry with Witney Carson

The professional partnership between Robert and Witney was undeniable. Their trust, friendship, and mutual respect shone through every performance, creating magical moments on the dance floor.

✅ Wholesome Image

In an era of controversial celebrities, Robert represented wholesome values, family legacy, and environmental activism—qualities that appealed to DWTS's broad audience demographic.

✅ Technical Excellence

Robert wasn't just a sympathy vote. He legitimately became one of the best technical dancers of the season, earning praise from even the toughest judge, Carrie Ann Inaba.

✅ Strong Fan Base

The Irwin family's global following from Australia Zoo, wildlife documentaries, and social media (Robert has 5.8 million Instagram followers) mobilized to vote every week.

How Alix Earle Reacted to Finishing Second Place

Social media influencer Alix Earle, 24, was considered Robert's toughest competition heading into the finale. She and partner Val Chmerkovskiy delivered stunning performances throughout the season.

Alix's Finale Performance:

Alix's freestyle, set to a medley of pop hits and featuring elaborate costume changes and high-energy choreography, earned a 29/30 score—just one point behind Robert's perfect 30.

Her Response to Second Place:

Despite not winning, Alix shared an emotional post-finale message:

"I came into this competition wanting to prove to myself that I could do something outside my comfort zone. I didn't win the Mirrorball, but I won something even more important—confidence, friendships, and memories I'll cherish forever. Congratulations to Robert and Witney. You absolutely deserved this! 💛"

Why Alix Lost (According to Fans):

While Alix was technically excellent, some viewers felt:

• Her influencer background made her seem less "authentic" than Robert's conservationist story
• She had prior dance experience from cheerleading (though minimal)
• Robert's family legacy and emotional narrative resonated more deeply
• The vote was reportedly extremely close—within 1-2% according to insider reports

Val Chmerkovskiy's Support:

Val, a veteran pro with multiple wins, consoled Alix: "You should be so proud of yourself. You came here as an influencer and left as a legitimate dancer. That growth is what this show is all about."

Jordan Chiles' Journey: From Olympic Gymnast to Ballroom Star

Jordan Chiles, the Olympic bronze medalist who became a global icon during the 2024 Paris Olympics, finished in third place despite being a judges' favorite for much of the season.

Jordan's Finale Highlights:

Strengths:

• Incredible flexibility and strength from gymnastics background
• Emotional storytelling through dance
• Natural stage presence and confidence

Freestyle Score: 30/30 (Perfect Score)

Why She Finished Third:

Despite perfect scores, Jordan likely split votes with other athletic competitors. Additionally, her gymnastics advantage was seen as giving her an "unfair" edge by some viewers, potentially affecting vote totals.

Jordan's Gracious Response:

"Third place feels amazing when you consider I'd never danced before this show," Jordan posted. "Thank you to everyone who voted and supported me. This experience has been life-changing! 🥉✨"

Dylan Efron and Elaine Hendrix: How the Other Finalists Performed

Dylan Efron (4th Place)

Who He Is: Younger brother of actor Zac Efron, outdoor adventurer, and producer

Partner: Rylee Arnold

Finale Highlight: Contemporary freestyle that showcased sibling bond themes

Fan Reaction: Dylan's underdog story and genuine nature won hearts, but he lacked the same technical polish as the top three.

Post-Show Comment: "Being Zac's brother got me in the door, but I hope I showed I'm my own person. This journey taught me so much about myself."

Elaine Hendrix (5th Place)

Who She Is: Actress best known for playing Meredith Blake in "The Parent Trap" (1998)

Partner: Alan Bersten

Finale Challenge: Elaine dealt with a significant injury earlier in the season (she begged not to go to the hospital in Week 7 after a fall)

Why Fans Loved Her: Her vulnerability, humor, and willingness to be goofy on the dance floor

Elimination Reaction: "At 54 years old, I proved to myself I can still do hard things. That's a win in my book! 💪"

What Does the Dancing with the Stars Winner Get? The Mirrorball Trophy Prize

The Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy

Physical Trophy:

• Height: 15 inches tall
• Weight: Approximately 5 pounds
• Material: Hundreds of tiny mirrors on a ballroom-shaped base
• Named After: Late judge Len Goodman (died 2023)
• Monetary Value: Estimated $1,000-$2,000 (as an object)

No Cash Prize!

Surprisingly, Dancing with the Stars winners do NOT receive prize money. The Mirrorball Trophy is the only tangible reward, along with:

What Winners Actually Get:

• ✅ The Mirrorball Trophy (symbolic honor)
• ✅ Massive career exposure and publicity
• ✅ Social media follower growth (millions of new followers)
• ✅ Speaking engagement opportunities
• ✅ Potential endorsement deals
• ✅ Dancing tour opportunities (optional paid performances)

What Celebrities ARE Paid:

Contestants DO receive appearance fees for participating:

• Starting episodes: $125,000 for first 1-2 episodes
• Per episode after: $10,000-$15,000 per additional week
• Finalists can earn: $250,000-$360,000 total for the full season

Professional Dancers' Pay:

• Estimated $5,200-$5,400 per episode
• Bonuses for winning (undisclosed amount)

So while Robert Irwin didn't win a cash jackpot, he likely earned approximately $350,000-$400,000 for his 10-week journey, plus the priceless Mirrorball Trophy and exposure.

Past Dancing with the Stars Winners: Where Are They Now?

Robert joins an elite group of 33 previous champions. Here's where some notable winners are today:

Recent Winners:

Season 33 (2024): Joey Graziadei & Jenna Johnson

• Current Status: Joey proposed to fiancée Kelsey Anderson during DWTS; the couple is planning their wedding
• Career Impact: Joey's social media following doubled; he's now pursuing entertainment hosting

Season 32 (2023): Xochitl Gomez & Val Chmerkovskiy

• Current Status: Acting career expanded with multiple new film roles
• Fun Fact: Xochitl sent Robert Irwin surprise flowers before the Season 34 finale amid dating rumors (both denied romantic connection)

Season 31 (2022): Charli D'Amelio & Mark Ballas

• Current Status: Continued social media dominance with 155 million TikTok followers
• Career Impact: Launched clothing line and beauty brand

Legendary Winners:

Season 21 (2015): Bindi Irwin & Derek Hough

• Robert's Sister: Now married with daughter Grace, runs Australia Zoo wildlife programs

Season 19 (2014): Alfonso Ribeiro & Witney Carson

• Witney's First Win: Alfonso now hosts America's Funniest Home Videos and maintains iconic "Carlton Dance" status

Season 10 (2010): Nicole Scherzinger & Derek Hough

• Career Explosion: Became global superstar, joined The Masked Singer as judge

Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson's Finale Return Performance

In a special segment, Season 33 winners Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson returned to the ballroom for a stunning performance.

Performance Details:

• Dance: Tango
• Music: "Tanguera" by Fabio Hager Sexteto
• Purpose: Pass the torch to Season 34's new champions
• Audience Reaction: Standing ovation

Joey's Advice to Robert:

Backstage, Joey congratulated Robert: "Enjoy every second of this moment. The Mirrorball never gets old. You represented yourself and your family beautifully."

All Season 34 Eliminated Couples Reunion Performance

The finale featured a special reunion where all 10 eliminated couples from Season 34 returned for group performances:

Returning Couples:

• Flavor Flav & Emma Slater
• Tori Spelling & Pasha Pashkov
• Anna Delvey & Ezra Sosa
• Reginald VelJohnson & Emma Slater
• Eric Roberts & Britt Stewart
• Brooks Nader & Gleb Savchenko
• Phaedra Parks & Val Chmerkovskiy
• Jenn Tran & Sasha Farber
• Stephen Nedoroscik (Pommel Horse Guy) & Rylee Arnold
• Chandler Kinney & Brandon Armstrong

Group Dance Songs:

1. "Sugar on My Tongue" by Tyler, The Creator
2. "Applause" by Lady Gaga
3. "I Don't Dance" by Alexander Jean

Fan Favorite Moment: When Anna Delvey (the fake heiress) performed, the audience gave a mix of boos and cheers—the most controversial returning contestant.

How to Watch Dancing with the Stars: Season 35 Details

Season 34 Finale Rewatch:

Where to Watch:

• ABC.com: Full episode available for 30 days with cable login
• Hulu: Available next day for Hulu subscribers
• Disney+: Streaming now for Disney+ subscribers

Season 35 Announcement:

ABC has confirmed Dancing with the Stars will return for Season 35 in fall 2026.

Expected Details:

• Premiere: September 2026
• Format: 10-12 week competition
• Judges: Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli (confirmed returning)
• Hosts: Julianne Hough, Alfonso Ribeiro (confirmed returning)

Celebrity Rumors for Season 35: While no one is officially confirmed, fan wishlists include:

• Olympic athletes from 2026 Winter Olympics
• Grammy winners and music legends
• Viral TikTok creators
• WWE superstars
• Broadway performers

Robert Irwin's Next Steps: What's After Dancing with the Stars?

Now that Robert has the Mirrorball Trophy, fans are wondering: What's next for the champion?

Confirmed Plans:

1. Return to Australia Zoo Robert is heading back to Queensland, Australia, to resume his wildlife conservation work with his family at Australia Zoo.

2. Wildlife Documentary Series Robert is filming a new nature documentary series for Animal Planet (release date: 2026).

3. Dancing with the Stars Tour Winners are typically invited to join the DWTS Live Tour, which travels across the US. Robert hasn't confirmed participation yet.

4. Social Media Content Robert plans to create behind-the-scenes DWTS content for his 5.8 million Instagram followers.

Will Robert Pursue Dancing Professionally?

In his post-win interview, Robert clarified: "Dancing will always be a part of my life now, but my heart is with wildlife conservation. This experience taught me that I can push myself in new ways, but my mission is continuing my dad's legacy with animals."

Potential Opportunities:

Career Boosts Robert May Receive:

• ✅ Increased speaking engagement fees ($50,000-$100,000 per event)
• ✅ Endorsement deals (wildlife, eco-friendly brands)
• ✅ TV hosting opportunities (nature/adventure shows)
• ✅ Book deal potential (memoir about growing up Irwin)
• ✅ Australia Zoo tourism increase (20-30% visitor boost expected)

Dancing with the Stars Season 34 By the Numbers

Viewership Statistics:

• Finale Viewers: 8.2 million (ABC's highest Tuesday rating in 2025)
• Disney+ Streams: 3.1 million concurrent streams during finale
• Social Media Mentions: 4.7 million tweets using #DWTS34 during finale
• Fan Votes Cast: Estimated 15-20 million votes across all platforms

Robert Irwin's Journey:

Week-by-Week Score Progression:

• Week 1: 22/30 (7th place)
• Week 2: 24/30 (6th place)
• Week 3: 26/30 (4th place)
• Week 4: 27/30 (3rd place)
• Week 5: 28/30 (2nd place)
• Week 6: 29/30 (1st place)
• Week 7: 30/30 (1st place)
• Week 8: 30/30 (1st place)
• Week 9: 30/30 (1st place)
• Week 10 (Finale): 89/90 total (1st place - WINNER)

Perfect Score Achievements: 5 perfect 30/30 scores (tied for most in Season 34)

Judges' Favorite Dances:

1. Contemporary to "When We Were Young" (Week 6)
2. Argentine Tango to "Por Una Cabeza" (Week 8)
3. Freestyle Mashup (Finale)

Why This Season 34 Win Matters for Dancing with the Stars

Robert Irwin's victory represents several important milestones for the show:

🌟 Rekindled Family Magic

The Irwin family's two wins (Bindi 2015, Robert 2025) create one of the most heartwarming legacies in DWTS history, proving that talent and authenticity run in the family.

🌟 International Appeal

Robert's Australian roots and global conservation platform expanded DWTS's international viewership, with Australian ratings hitting record highs for Season 34.

🌟 Younger Demographic Success

At 21, Robert attracted younger viewers (ages 18-34) who typically don't watch network TV, proving the show's continued relevance across generations.

🌟 Meaningful Celebrity Stories

Robert's win showed that audiences still value substance over viral fame. Despite competing against influencers with millions more followers, his authentic mission resonated.

🌟 Professional Excellence

Witney Carson's second Mirrorball (11 years after her first) proved that experienced pros can still create championship magic with the right celebrity partner.

FAQs About Dancing with the Stars Season 34 Winner

Q: Is Robert Irwin the youngest DWTS winner ever?
A: No, Robert (21) is the fourth-youngest winner. Shawn Johnson won at age 17 (Season 8, 2009), Rumer Willis at 26 (Season 20, 2015), and Bindi Irwin at 17 (Season 21, 2015).

Q: Did Robert have any dance experience before DWTS?
A: No formal training. Robert occasionally danced at Australia Zoo events but had zero ballroom, ballet, or professional dance background.

Q: How much did Robert Irwin earn for winning DWTS?
A: While he didn't win cash, Robert earned approximately $350,000-$400,000 in appearance fees for the 10-week competition.

Q: Will Robert and Witney perform together again?
A: Likely yes on the DWTS Live Tour (if Robert participates) and potentially at special ABC events.

Q: Can I vote for next season's DWTS contestants?
A: Yes! When Season 35 premieres in fall 2026, voting opens via ABC.com, the DWTS app, and SMS text voting.

Q: What happened to the scores from earlier weeks?
A: DWTS uses a cumulative scoring system throughout the season, but the finale resets with only finale performances and votes determining the winner.

Q: Did Bindi Irwin predict Robert would win?
A: Bindi publicly supported Robert throughout the season and posted several times that she "knew he had what it takes" to follow in her footsteps.

The Bottom Line: Robert Irwin's Dancing with the Stars Legacy

Robert Irwin's Dancing with the Stars Season 34 victory is more than just a competition win—it's a testament to perseverance, family legacy, and the power of staying true to yourself.

What Made Robert's Win Special:

✨ Emotional Tribute: Every dance honored his late father Steve Irwin
✨ Technical Growth: Transformed from nervous beginner to technically flawless dancer
✨ Authentic Journey: Never compromised his values or conservation mission
✨ Inspiring Partnership: His friendship with Witney Carson showed genuine connection
✨ Overcoming Injury: Danced through rib pain to deliver championship performances
✨ Family Legacy: Continued what Bindi started 10 years earlier

Final Thoughts:

In Robert's own words from his victory speech: "This Mirrorball isn't just mine—it belongs to everyone who supported me, to Witney who believed in me, to my family who raised me, and most of all, to my dad who taught me that life is about giving 100% to everything you do. I hope I made him proud."

Based on the tears, standing ovations, and overwhelming fan support, there's no doubt Steve Irwin would be incredibly proud of his son.

Congratulations to Robert Irwin and Witney Carson—Dancing with the Stars Season 34 Champions! 🪩✨🏆

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Dancing with the Stars Season 35 will return to ABC in fall 2026. Stay tuned for celebrity cast announcements, premiere date details, and more ballroom magic!